As the calendar turns to February, REACH turns its attention towards two topics of awareness and celebration.
Black History Month, celebrated since the mid-1970s, encourages Americans to recognize the accomplishments of Black Americans which are often minimized or ignored as a result of the systemic racism we have enacted in our country. The fields of domestic and sexual violence services and prevention are no exception to this racist legacy. Though these movements, like so many others, were first started by black women, those leaders and their voices were quickly pushed out by white feminists centering their own experiences. This month, we will be taking time to acknowledge and lift up some of the many contributions to this movement that are too often ignored, forgotten, or silenced.
While we do this work, we also recognize February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention month. Abuse occurring in teen relationships is often minimized or not recognized, especially by adults. This month we will also be taking time to raise awareness of the unique ways abuse may look, how teens can promote and seek healthy relationships, and how adults can provide support.
We encourage you to continue checking out our website, social media, and emails for ways you can get involved as we continue to recognize Black History Month and Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month this February.
